services

Program Development — What do you need? What do you want? Initial brainstorming sessions identify and prioritize relevant issues. From these sessions, CONTEXT organizes and quantifies program goals and objectives

Site Analysis — Land is not a blank canvas. Existing conditions such as topography and soils, storm water runoff and drainage, vegetation, views, climate, circulation, land use and cultural history will ultimately influence the design solution. CONTEXT applies this understanding to develop and diagram site opportunities and constraints affecting the program goals.

Master Planning — CONTEXT uses the compiled opportunities and constraints combined with the facility program as the criteria for the development of the Master Plan. This plan communicates proposed site or system improvements as a holistic vision to stakeholders, the public, governmental groups and funding sources. Depending on your needs, this plan can take many forms, from detailed stand-alone illustrations to bound documents that encapsulate the entire planning process.

Schematic Design — Whether designing a site, a street corridor, or an entrance monument, the visualization process gives form to your goals and objectives. CONTEXT uses sketches, diagrams and computer-generated 3D models to illustrate the complex relationships between site elements.

Design Development — Identity is in the details. Conceptual plans are refined to more accurately depict spatial relationships, grading and drainage, and planting. Materials and finishes are explored for site furnishings, monuments, equipment, and hardscape elements such as paved walkways and drives, steps and retaining walls.

Grading & Drainage Design — When we manipulate topography to define a space, to accommodate a structure or activity, or to maximize safety and accessibility we invariably change how water moves across or within a site. CONTEXT promotes ecologically sound planning to balance storm water management, design intent and environmental stewardship.

Planting Design — New demands in today's built environment have expanded planting design beyond its traditional role in creating beautiful gardens and accenting architectural elements. Rain gardens and bio-retention swales filter and reduce storm water runoff; fast-growing, deep-rooted native plants stabilize steep slopes; street trees and green roofs reduce the urban heat island effect; and planted courtyards incorporate nature into school curriculums and hospital therapies.

Grant Writing — Unfortunately, projects do not get built without money. CONTEXT can assist in your efforts to fund your project by researching grant opportunities and preparing the grant application.

Construction Documentation & Observation — From concept to reality, we create the necessary drawings and specifications to communicate your vision to the contractors and tradesmen who will build it. CONTEXT facilitates communication and decision-making throughout the construction process to ensure the highest quality product on budget.